Pakistan has significantly enhanced its aerial surveillance capabilities by adding another Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft to its fleet. This brings the total number of Swedish-made AEWC aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to nine.
The newly acquired Erieye, featuring an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, boasts a detection range of up to 450 kilometers. This cutting-edge technology enables Pakistan to monitor a vast airspace and detect potential threats effectively.
This acquisition marks a crucial milestone in Pakistan's efforts to modernize its air force and strengthen its defense capabilities. Notably, the PAF's fleet of nine Erieye aircraft now surpasses the number of similar platforms operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF currently has three IL-76 Phalcon AEWC aircraft and two domestically developed NETRA AEWC aircraft.
The disparity in the number of AEWC aircraft between the two neighboring countries highlights India's challenge in keeping pace with Pakistan's aerial surveillance capabilities. The PAF's superior number of Erieye aircraft gives it a significant advantage in terms of situational awareness and command and control.
Pakistan initially ordered six Saab 2000 Erieye aircraft in 2006 but later reduced the order due to economic constraints. However, the country has steadily increased its fleet over the years, with additional orders placed in 2017 and 2020.
The Saab 2000 Erieye is a versatile platform that can be used for various missions, including border surveillance, air defense, and search and rescue operations. Its advanced radar system can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, providing the PAF with a comprehensive picture of the airspace.
The addition of another Erieye aircraft to the PAF fleet is a significant development that will further enhance Pakistan's aerial surveillance capabilities. This move is expected to have a considerable impact on the regional security landscape, particularly concerning the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.
